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(Reuters Health) - Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in fish oil can lower triglyceride levels in HIV-infected patients taking antiretroviral drugs, according to a report in the March 1st Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Fish oils have been shown to reduce fasting and postprandial triglyceride levels in patients without HIV infection, the authors explain, but few data are available on their effects in HIV-infected patients.

When I started my first combo (Kaletra/Kivexa) a few months ago, my triglyceride levels skyrocketed. I wasn't terribly keen on getting a pancreatitis, so I started to supplement with fish oil and real fish like tuna, mackerel, herring, salmon. I have been taking fish oil gel capsules (2 x 1000 mg) and 1 capsule of artichoke extracts once a day for 3 months now, right after lunch. I also incorporated more fish into my diet, about 3-4 times per week now. During this time, my trig levels went down from a disturbing 550 mg/dl to a mere 25 mg/dl.

However, I can't attribute the drop exclusively to fish and fish oil as I also cut down on sugar and sweets which are the common source for high trig levels.

There is now a prescription available for the essential omega 3-acids called Omacor. It can be an effective alternative to the other drugs used to treat high triglycerides. I had been on maximum strength Tricor for years with minimal effect and recently requested the doc try this drug. I was concerned about possible liver damage from the Tricor, especially since it wasn't working very well for me. I haven't yet been tested to determine if the Omacor is lowering my lipids, but will update as soon as I find out.

There is now a prescription available for the essential omega 3-acids called Omacor. It can be an effective alternative to the other drugs used to treat high triglycerides. I had been on maximum strength Tricor for years with minimal effect and recently requested the doc try this drug. I was concerned about possible liver damage from the Tricor, especially since it wasn't working very well for me. I haven't yet been tested to determine if the Omacor is lowering my lipids, but will update as soon as I find out.